The recognition of foreign degrees in Spain is the administrative process that validates and equates academic degrees obtained abroad to official Spanish degrees. This process allows holders to practice their profession or continue their studies in Spain under equal conditions. Recognition ensures that studies completed in other countries meet Spanish standards, particularly for access to regulated professions. Here’s a guide to help you understand
Importance of Degree Recognition
The homologation and validation of foreign degrees and studies, both university and non-university, are essential to ensure that studies completed abroad meet the educational and professional standards required in Spain. This process facilitates the integration of professionals and students into the Spanish educational and labor system, guaranteeing the validity of their skills and knowledge.
Homologation Procedure
The process of homologating foreign degrees in Spain begins with gathering the required documentation, such as the academic degree, transcript of records, official translations, and legalizations. Applications can be submitted either in person at the offices of the Ministry of Universities or through its electronic platform. It is crucial to ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete before submitting the application.
Once submitted, the application is evaluated to verify its equivalence with Spanish degrees. Finally, the administration issues a resolution, which may be favorable, unfavorable, or conditional, informing the applicant of the next steps to follow. It is worth noting that there are currently significant delays in resolving these cases, so we always recommend ensuring that the application is thoroughly prepared and complete before submission.
Why Choose Lexmovea to Homologate Your Degree?
At Lexmovea, we offer degree homologation services with comprehensive guidance and management to help you homologate your foreign degree in Spain.
- Document Collection: We assist and advise you in obtaining and verifying all the necessary documents.
- Application Submission: We guide you through the correct submission of your application, whether in person or online.
- File Tracking: We continuously monitor the status of your application and act as intermediaries with the authorities.
- Personalized Support: We resolve any doubts and ensure all legal requirements are met to obtain the homologation of your degree.
Types of Homologation for Foreign Degrees
Homologation of foreign degrees in Spain can be divided into two main categories: homologation of university degrees and homologation of non-university degrees. Below, we detail the key aspects of each type and the documentation associated with each process:
University Degree Homologation (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
The homologation of university degrees refers to the official recognition of foreign bachelor’s and master’s degrees, equating them to Spanish official degrees. This process is essential for foreign professionals who wish to practice in Spain or continue their studies in Spanish institutions.
University Degree Homologation Process for Foreigners:
- Required Documentation:
- Original degree and academic transcript.
- Official translation of the documents into Spanish.
- Justification of the duration and content of the studies.
- Evaluation:
- The application is evaluated to verify the equivalence of the completed studies with Spanish academic programs.
- Academic credits, workload, and program content are considered.
- Resolution: The resolution can be favorable, unfavorable, or conditional on meeting additional requirements, such as exams or practicals.
Non-University Degree Homologation
This type of homologation applies to studies at non-university levels, such as secondary education and vocational training. It is essential for those who wish to continue their education or access specific jobs that require certain certifications.
Non-University Degree Homologation Process for Foreigners:
- Required Documentation:
- Degree and certificates of studies.
- Official translation into Spanish and legalization of the documents.
- Evaluation:
- The equivalence with the Spanish educational system is verified.
- Duration, content, and results obtained in the studies are considered.
- Resolution:
- The resolution can be favorable, unfavorable, or conditional on completing additional
Requirements for Homologating Foreign Degrees
To carry out the homologation of foreign degrees in Spain, it is essential to meet certain requirements and submit the necessary documentation. Below are the required documents and specific requirements based on the type of degree to be homologated.
General Documentation for Foreign Degrees
- Official Application: Complete and sign the relevant application form.
- Personal Identification: Copy of the applicant’s passport or identity document.
- Designation of Representative: Only necessary if someone else is submitting the application on your behalf.
- Academic Degree: Copy of the foreign degree to be homologated.
- Academic Transcript: Documentation proving the grades obtained and the official duration of the study program.
- Study Programs: Description of the courses and programs completed, including the number of hours and content.
- Official Translation: Sworn translation into Spanish of all documents if they are not originally in Spanish.
- Legalization of Documents: Hague Apostille or diplomatic legalization, depending on the country of origin of the degree.
Specific Requirements for Foreign Documents
In addition to the above, there are specific cases for homologating foreign degrees depending on whether they are bachelor’s or master’s university degrees or non-university degrees.
Homologation of University Degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Bachelor’s Degree:
- Prove the duration and credits of the academic program.
- Compare the content of the study program with its Spanish equivalent.
Master’s Degree:
- Demonstrate that the foreign degree grants access to doctoral studies in the country of origin.
- Prove that the study program has an academic workload equivalent to Spanish official master’s degrees.
Homologation of Non-University Degrees
Secondary Education:
- Prove the completion of secondary education in the country of origin.
- Compare the completed studies with the Spanish education system to ensure equivalence.
Vocational Training:
- Submit the degree and certificates of vocational training.
- Prove the duration and theoretical and practical content of the study program.
Homologation of Regulated and Non-Regulated Professions
When homologating a university or non-university degree in Spain, it is crucial to distinguish between regulated and non-regulated professions. Regulated professions require specific accreditation to be legally practiced, such as medicine, engineering, law, among others. For these professions, degree homologation is mandatory, and the applicant must meet additional specific requirements, such as passing aptitude tests or completing supervised professional internships.
Additional Requirements for Regulated Professions
For regulated professions, in addition to the general documents, several additional requirements must be met. These may include:
- Professional Competency Certification: Documentation proving the competencies acquired abroad, comparable to those required in Spain.
- Aptitude Tests: In some cases, applicants must pass specific exams to demonstrate their ability to practice the profession in Spain.
- Professional Internships: In certain professions, a period of supervised professional internships may be required to ensure that the applicant is familiar with Spanish regulations and professional practices.
Homologating degrees for regulated professions ensures that professionals are properly qualified and meet Spanish standards, ensuring quality and safety in their practice. At Lexmovea, we offer specialized assistance to guide you through these specific procedures, ensuring that you meet all the additional requirements and that your degree is officially recognized in Spain.
Additional Requirements for Non-Regulated Professions
For non-regulated professions, the degree homologation process is generally simpler and does not require these additional steps. However, it is still necessary to prove academic equivalence and meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Universities.
Deadlines and Fees for Degree Homologation in Spain
Estimated Resolution Time
The estimated time for resolving a foreign degree homologation application in Spain can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the file and the workload of the administration. Generally, the maximum time allowed to resolve the homologation is 6 months from the date the complete application is submitted and registered. However, in practice, this period can be extended, especially in cases that require additional evaluations or supplementary documentation.
Associated Costs of the Homologation Process
The homologation process of foreign degrees in Spain involves certain administrative costs. These include a specific fee that must be paid at the time the application is submitted. The amount of this fee may vary depending on the type of degree and the nature of the process. In addition, additional costs may arise related to official document translations, legalization, and apostille, as well as other costs arising from aptitude tests or adaptation courses, if necessary for regulated professions.
At Lexmovea, we provide an all-inclusive service that includes guidance on the deadlines and costs of the homologation process, ensuring that your application is managed efficiently with minimal inconvenience. Contact us for personalized advice and to guarantee that your foreign degree is recognized in Spain.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The homologation of foreign degrees in Spain is governed by a set of laws and regulations that ensure the recognition of studies completed outside the country, guaranteeing that they meet the academic and professional standards required in Spain.
Relevant Laws and Regulations
- Royal Decree 889/2022: Royal Decree 889/2022 establishes the procedure for the homologation of foreign higher education degrees to official Spanish degrees (bachelor’s or master’s) that grant access to regulated professions in Spain. This decree details the requirements, evaluation criteria, and administrative procedure for homologation.
- Organic Law 2/2006, of May 3, on Education: This law provides the general framework for the Spanish education system, including provisions on the homologation of foreign degrees.
- Royal Decree 967/2014: Regulates the procedures for the homologation and equivalence of foreign higher education degrees, establishing the requirements and necessary documentation for these processes.
- Law 39/2015, of October 1, on the Common Administrative Procedure of Public Administrations: Regulates the common administrative procedure applicable to the homologation of foreign degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Homologation of Foreign Degrees
- What is the resolution time for the homologation of a foreign degree? The Ministry of Universities sets a maximum resolution time of six months for homologation applications. However, this period can vary depending on the complexity of the file and the workload of the administration. Currently, this resolution time is not being met, and it is often extended to over a year.
- What costs are involved in the homologation process? The process involves the payment of an administrative fee, which varies depending on the type of degree to be homologated. Additional costs may arise for sworn translations, legalizations, and, in some cases, aptitude tests.
- What options do I have if my homologation request is denied? In case of a denial, you can file administrative appeals, such as the appeal for reconsideration or the appeal to a higher authority. If these options are unsuccessful, you can always resort to judicial action through a contentious-administrative appeal.
- Can I work in Spain while waiting for my homologation resolution? Whether you can work during the homologation process will depend on the type of visa and work permit you hold. It is essential to consult with an immigration expert to understand your specific options.
- Can I start the homologation process from abroad? Yes, you can begin the homologation process from your home country through the online platform of the Ministry of Universities.
- Is it mandatory to translate my documents into Spanish? Yes, all documents you submit must be translated into Spanish by a certified sworn translator.
- In what cases is an aptitude test required to homologate degrees in Spain? An aptitude test is usually necessary to homologate degrees that grant access to regulated professions in Spain, such as medicine, architecture, or engineering.
- Can I partially homologate a degree? Homologation is granted for complete degrees. If your studies are not considered equivalent to a full degree in Spain, you may need to complete additional coursework.
- Where can I get help for my homologation process? If you need advice and support in your homologation process, feel free to contact Lexmovea. Our expert team will guide you every step of the way and help you overcome any obstacles that may arise.
- Where do I submit the homologation of foreign degrees in Spain? In Spain, the homologation of foreign degrees is carried out through the Ministry of Universities or, in some cases, the Ministry of Education for vocational education and training, depending on the academic level or the type of degree you wish to homologate.
- Is it the same to validate a foreign degree in Spain as it is to homologate it?No, they are not the same. The homologation and validation of foreign degrees in Spain are distinct processes: homologation is the official recognition of a complete academic degree obtained abroad, equating it to an official Spanish degree and allowing the holder to practice the same profession or pursue higher studies in Spain; on the other hand, validation refers to the recognition of partial studies completed abroad, validating specific subjects or credits so that the student can continue their academic studies at a Spanish institution. While homologation grants the same academic and professional value as the equivalent Spanish degree, validation allows the student to continue their studies without starting over.
- Is there a new law for degree homologation in Spain? Yes, Spain has approved new legislation for the homologation of foreign degrees. Royal Decree 889/2022, which came into effect at the end of 2022, has modernized and streamlined the procedures for homologation and equivalence of foreign degrees, especially those related to regulated professions like medicine, engineering, and law. However, in practice, this homologation process is still being delayed by the Ministry of Education.
- How do I homologate an American degree in Spain? To homologate a foreign degree in Spain, you must submit an application to the Ministry of Education with your degree, transcript, curriculum, and sworn translations into Spanish, as well as pay a fee. After evaluation, you will receive a resolution for your degree homologation, a process that may take several months.
- What is degree homologation in Spain / What is a homologated degree? Homologating a degree in Spain is the process through which a foreign academic degree is officially validated to have the same recognition and legal effects as one granted by a Spanish educational institution. This allows the holder to practice a regulated profession or continue studies in Spain.